Aim: Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by transient reduction in blood supply through the small arteries in the hands and feet. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon accompanies collagen vascular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. The relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and arterial disease is well-documented and hyperhomocysteinemia is considered to be a risk factor. Because of the shared similar pathogenesis of homocysteine-associated vasculopathy and Raynaud's phenomenon, we aimed to investigate the homocysteine levels in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to scleroderma.

Materials and Methods: 20 patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon and 25 healthy individuals were included in this study. After a night's fasting blood samples were drawn for the assesement of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Plasma homocysteine levels were measured on high performance liquid chromatography. Serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were determined on automated immunassay systems. All data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation.

Results: Plasma homocysteine levels were higher in the patients with Raynaud's phenomenon compared to the healthy controls (12.68 ± 2.78 μmol/L, 9.29 ± 2.54 μmol/L, respectively, p<0.05). Although serum vitamin B12 levels did not differ between the groups, folic acid levels were lower in the patient group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Higher homocysteine concentrations observed in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to scleroderma have been attributed to folic acid deficiency. When planning treatment strategies for these patients, it would be wise to go over the nutritional status and to reduce the factors influencing hyperhomocysteinemia. As a result, the increased risk of morbidity from cardiovascular disease seen in these patients will be reduced.